Richard Norval Sams

Richard Norval Sams, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 85 in Independence, Missouri. Born on June 18, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, Richard was the beloved son of Norval and Arlene (McKee) Sams.

Richard graduated from Lamoni High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. Stationed at Camp Elliott in San Diego, California, Richard proudly served his nation before returning to Lamoni, Iowa. It was there that he met Linda Stevenson, the love of his life. The two were married on October 21, 1961. Not long after their wedding, they moved to Independence, Missouri, where they built a life together and raised their two children, Steven and Vera.

Richard had a lifelong passion for learning and self-improvement. After taking correspondence courses in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), he excelled as the top student in his class. As technology evolved, Richard continued to expand his expertise in the field. His career began with Allis Chalmers, where he worked for five years before becoming self-employed. During this time, he provided in-home repairs and serviced grocery stores and businesses. Known for his generosity and kindness, Richard often used his skills to help those in need without regard for their ability to pay.

Later in his career, Richard joined the Pipefitters Local 533 Union and worked for several union companies specializing in commercial HVAC systems. He retired from Baxter Mechanical after a long and fulfilling career marked by dedication and hard work.

Richard’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. A lifelong member of the RLDS Church, he served in various priesthood roles throughout his life. At the time of his passing, he was an Elder and attended South Chrysler Restoration Branch with Linda.

Family was at the heart of everything Richard did. He cherished spending time with his loved ones and took great joy in nurturing and teaching his grandchildren when they were young. In retirement, Richard and Linda embraced adventure together. They spent winters in Texas and summers working for the National Parks as campground hosts in Colorado—where Richard once had an unforgettable encounter with a bear! Ever creative and industrious, Richard filled his days with woodworking projects and painting while keeping Linda on her toes with his boundless energy.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Linda (Stevenson) Sams; their children Steven (Robin) Sams and Vera (David “Rusty”) Lande; grandchildren Derrick (Kelsey) Lande, Steven (Ashley) Lande, Amy (Randy) Sullivan, Matthew (Hailey) Lande, and Krystal (Sams) Cochran (Justin) Cochran; great-grandchildren Kendall (Andrew James) Lande, Haedin Lande, Israel Lande, Alexander Lande, Arrow Lande, Eva Cochran, Cheyenne Cochran, Adalie Widziewicz, Graysen Lande, Naphtali Lande, Sojourner Lande; and great-great-granddaughter Scottie Ray James (daughter of Kendall Lande), Siblings: Linda (Richard) Shutt, Sandra (Jim) Bolte, David (Joyce) Sams, Wanda Sams, and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Norval and Arlene Sams; brothers Donald Sams and Raymond Sams; sister-in-law Linda K. Sams; and nieces Wanda and Brenda.

Richard’s legacy of love for family, faith in God, dedication to hard work, and generosity toward others will live on through all who knew him. His memory will be cherished by those whose lives he touched.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Luminous Hospice for the wonderful and comforting care.

May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn him. A Visitation will be held on August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel 509 S Noland Road . A Graveside Service will be held on August 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, Iowa